When thousands of music-obsessed Midwesterners pour into Chicago’s Grant Park for a weekend of concerts, they call it Lollapalooza. When thousands of eco-conscious Midwesterners spill onto Navy Pier for a weekend of earth-lovin’ fun, they call it the Green Festival (May 16-17). While this year’s festival boasts hundreds of green businesses, panel discussions, and presentations, it’s way bigger (and more fun) than your garden variety trade show, drum circle, or meeting of the minds. You can get in on how-to workshops, learn about green careers, visit a Fair Trade pavilion, sample organic beer, wine, and cuisine; or, yes, jam out to live music. Take that, ‘Palooza!

Before you hop in your car and cruise up I-65, consider carpooling or, even better, booking your trip on the Megabus to reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll get free wi-fi access en route and eliminate the hassle and expense of finding a hotel room and parking spot in downtown Chicago. If you’re into conserving time as much as natural resources, Megabus also offers same-day return trips to Indy.

So go on…say yes to that extra organic beer.

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

Whether you’re a history buff or have only recently realized your inner patriot (thanks, HBO’s John Adams), we’re pretty sure you weren’t around to give your input when the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, or Constitution were drafted. Here’s your chance to make an impact on the future direction of your community without having to stand up to the British Parliament or wear cumbersome wigs and ill-fitting breeches.

Consider registering for the Earth Charter Momentum Conference, taking place June 19-21 at Butler University. The Earth Charter (a.k.a. the “Declaration of Inter-Dependence”) is more than just a document; it’s a global movement that urges individuals, communities, and nations to take better care of the planet and each other. The conference, which is open to people of all ages and experience levels, is focused on building communities that are more “systainable” (translation: systems of sustainable activities that work for people on economic, social, and environmental levels). 

Speakers include Jan Roberts (Earth Charter US founder and president), Mirian Vilela (Earth Charter International executive director), Victor Phiri (Workers Education Association of Zambia national coordinator), and David Korten (author of When Corporations Rule the World, The Great Turning & Agenda for a New Economy: From Phantom Wealth to Real Wealth).

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary to save the planet, get thee to the Earth Charter conference.

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

P.S. Help a fellow GPI subscriber collect pens, pencils, crayons and markers for his upcoming Ambassadors for Children trip. Leave a note on the Green Piece Indy Facebook page if you can donate items or $$.

Though Green Piece Indy has enjoyed a good share of media coverage lately (NUVO, Indianapolis Woman, WISH-TV, Indianapolis Star…just sayin’), our work hasn’t exactly made us into millionaires yet. Translation: We appreciate all the help we can get, monetary or otherwise. On that note, we would like to send a big (tree)hug to the many in-kind donors who have helped us along the way this year. 

If you attended Green Piece Indy’s recent Earth Hour party at South Bend Chocolate, you likely sampled the many yummy varieties of all-natural Cabot cheese. Or perhaps you sipped on the oh-so-smooth and sustainable 360 Vodka, which is designed and produced using eco-friendly methods. Ask for it at your favorite watering hole!

While at the party, you may have also had the pleasure of meeting Tracey Hiner, the green genius behind TraceyClean. Tracey’s fabulous line of all-natural, non-toxic cleaning products (from glass cleaner to yoga mat wash) are available for home delivery, making being green even that much easier. Of course, should you decide to pick up the above products, you’re going to need a place to put them. Our pick: reusable shopping bags from Kroger. Enter their Design A Bag contest by May 15 for a chance to win a $1000 Kroger gift card.

No matter where you shop, we hope you’ll look for a copy of Indiana Living Green on your way out the door. The bi-monthly magazine devoted to all things environmental in Indiana has not only been a terrific resource for readers, but also a wonderful educator in the community.

Look for all of us under the tents at Earth Day Indiana Festival, taking place this Saturday, April 25, downtown on the American Legion Mall, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. And don’t forget to pick up your Green Savings Indy while you’re there!

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

We hear you, non-landowners. Just because you have yet to plunk down your life savings on a piece of real estate that includes a yard does not mean you should suffer through the summer eating overpriced tomatoes from the grocery store. Whether you’re an apartment dweller, condo owner, or dorm-bound college student, growing your own fresh produce is still possible…it just requires a little creativity.

Fresh herbs and other small plants should sprout up just fine positioned on a sunny windowsill, porch, or balcony. If you’re even shorter on space, try hanging your plants. You’ll find a variety of biodegradable Eco Planters ($2-$17) and rope hangers ($3.50-$16) at Habig Garden Shops (1225 E. 86th St.; 5201 N. College Ave.; 1105 N. Arlington Ave.; 15311 U.S. 31 North). They also stock the space-saving Earth Box planter system and the oh-so-popular, as-seen-on-TV Topsy Turvy upside down tomato planter ($15.99), as well as organic potting soil, compost, and seeds. Speaking of organic gardening, all organic plant care items are on sale through the end of April at Cit E Scapes, (1230 S. Meridian St.). Want to shop closer to home? Renee even found organic soil and biodegradable plant pots on a recent trip to CVS!

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

P.S. Congratulations to the Carmel Green Teen group, previously covered in a Green Piece Indy tip, for winning Clorox GreenWorks’ $10,000 eco-grant!

Not sure how you plan to do your part on April 25? Here are a few suggestions.

‘Twas the week before Earth Day, and all through Circle City
Groups of residents stayed busy making Indy look pretty.
The tents were positioned on American Legion Mall with care
In hopes that Earth Day Indiana festival-goers soon would be there.

Volunteers were ready in every village and ‘hood
To pick up litter and make their blocks look good.
And friends with their garbage bags and others with their gloves
Took part in KIB’s Great Indy Clean-up and showed their neighborhoods some love.   

When out at Georgetown Market, there arose such a clatter,
everyone sprang from their work to see what was the matter.
When, what to their wondering eyes should appear, but $2 burgers and brats…sorry, no beer.
At their Spring Into Wellness event, employees grilled up lunch for their shoppers,
who mingled among vendors and put raffle tickets in the hopper.
 
But we heard them all exclaim as they drove out of sight,
“Happy Earth Day to all, and to all a good night!”
Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

Tune in to 88.7 WICR FM Friday morning at 9:30 to listen to an interview with Renee!

While we believe everyday should be Earth Day, the national holiday is fast approaching. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the planet, you’re sure to find the perfect activity to suit your calendar.

Whole Foods Market is hosting Green Fests at both locations this Saturday, April 18 (86th St. store from noon to 2 p.m.; Carmel store from 4 to 6 p.m.). Stop in to learn about recycling, composting, organic gardening and more. Activities are as kid-friendly as they are eco-friendly!

Attend SusaIN, Indiana’s green ideas and networking event, on April 22 at Union Station to meet with and learn from research and industry leaders about green and sustainability initiatives and practices.

Feel like gettin’ twiggy with it? Pick up a free tree at the booth in front of the IPL building on Monument Circle between noon and 1 p.m. on Arbor Day (Friday April 24). Brought to you by Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation &Development Council’s Plant A Million Project, IPL, and the Indianapolis/Marion County Tree Board, the 2-foot eastern redbud tree is a small, sun-loving deciduous tree that should grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet. Be sure to stick around and chat with local tree experts who can provide planting and maintenance tips.

Stay tuned for more Earth Day haps!

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

Dear aerosol cans, permanent markers, and batteries:

For years, you were there for us when we experimented with new hairstyles, labeled things, and charged up our portable electronic devices. But lately, we’ve become older, wiser, and greener. We’ve put down the ultra-hold hairspray and Sharpie pens and started looking for ways to replace you with more eco-friendly alternatives. Leaving you has not been easy, hazardous materials. In the words of Britney, we’re addicted to you, but we know that you’re toxic.

Luckily, ridding our homes of chemicals is easier than we thought. On April 17, the IUPUI Recycling Committee will host a Toxaway Day. Drop off your recyclables and household hazardous waste, including computer components, electronic devices, and TVs (27 inches and smaller), at the Environmental Management Facility (west of the Union Building, parking lot #20) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Can’t make it on April 17? Visit one of the city’s 3 ToxDrop locations (hours vary).

Pesticides and chlorine bleach, you’re next. 

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

We salute you, Mr. Condensation Collector. Most people look at rainy weather and say the day is a total wash (pardon the pun). You see it as a prime opportunity to fill your rain barrel. While your neighbors are busy adjusting their sprinklers and watching their water bills rise, you’re watching your petunias grow taller by the day thanks to all the fresh rainwater you’ve been feeding them. Like most things with “barrel” in the title (Cracker Barrel, Crate & Barrel, Barrel-O-Monkeys), a rain barrel is totally worth the cost. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is selling barrels made of reused plastic drums. For every barrel purchased, KIB will plant a tree.

And though April showers tend to bring May flowers, they won’t bring flats of hostas or saplings to your doorstep. For that, you’ll need to visit your neighborhood garden center or check out these special opportunities from the following local organizations. 

• The Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is also selling rain barrels, as well as 24 varieties of primarily native trees and shrubs .
• The Indiana Organic Gardening Association is hosting a plant auction April 18 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Zionsville Library, 250 N. Fifth St. Bring plants and garden-related items to the auction and take home a variety of heirloom, organic, and garden treasures.
• The Avon Outdoor Learning Center will host a native plant sale on May 2 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) and May 3 (Noon-3 p.m.).

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan

You don’t have to be a mathlete to know that investing $15 and getting more than $800 in savings in return is a smart idea. Introducing Green Savings Indy, the newest branch to the Green Piece Indy family tree. Green Savings Indy is a $15 coupon book that will help you save some green (about $800 worth) by living green. Think of it as your eco-friendly fairy godmother.

Been putting off hiring a house cleaning service? Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day (May 10). How ’bout saving a little cash on your next trip to your favorite green grocer? Green Savings Indy offers discounts on products and services for your home, groceries, entertainment, gifts, services, clothing, office, and more. And once you’ve used all of the coupons, it becomes a handy green guide!

The book will be available at the Earth Day Indiana Festival on April 25, but you can pre-order now and your book will be shipped within a week of Earth Day, April 22. Coupons are good for one year. Green Savings Indy is also available to nonprofits as a fundraiser or to retailers. Please contact us through the web site if you’re interested in re-selling Green Savings Indy. A portion of the profits will be donated to local organizations committed to making Indianapolis a cleaner, healthier place to live.

So no more belly-aching about green living being expensive, okay? If your belly aches, it should be because you ate too many freebies at the farmers market.

Piece out,
Renee & Meghan